Online Scams, Cyber Fraud and Safe Digital Banking

With the advent of digital media, online cheating and scams are commonplace now. Users need to be aware to exercise caution and refrain from falling for tempting offers and clicking suspicious links.

If it looks too good to be true, it truly isn't true.

It is said- "All that glitters is not gold."

Indian banks, other institutions, and individuals have been sharing the need to be cautious about glittering deals and offers.

Through its public awareness initiative, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been sharing a series of communication- "RBI Kehta Hai... Jaankar Baniye, Satark Rahiye".

In English, it means- "RBI says... Be Aware, Stay Cautious."

In other words- "Safe Digital Banking starts with you. Transact Safely."

Source: RBI Kehta Hai

More details here- https://rbikehtahai.rbi.org.in/ 

Interest Is Interesting

The word "interest" always interests me,

Interest is an interesting word, you see! 

Nothing is possible without interest, I feel.

Interest generates knowledge, action & zeal.

Interest is what is needed by one at first,

Interest acts as a driving force & is like thirst-

To quench this thirst, there is motivation.

Efforts are indications; interest is the inspiration.

Source: Instagram

How To Claim Unclaimed Dividends, Shares

If you have been an investor in the stock market, you have been receiving dividend income from companies.

But, in case your bank account was/is not linked or you have changed address etc, you may have been missing the dividend cheques.

Having been in such situations, I know that I have missed some payments, especially before 2015.

Recently, I learned about the "Investor Education and Protection Fund" (IEPF).

I was reading the Hindu Businessline when I saw this report- https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/unlock-your-hidden-wealth-claiming-unclaimed-shares-dividends-at-your-finger-tips-now/article67372398.ece

This report in the Economic Times also informs about the same-

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/government-to-launch-portal-for-unclaimed-dividends-shares-by-february/articleshow/101261861.cms?

I promptly looked for the IEPF Web Project and found their website- 

https://www.iepf.gov.in/IEPFWebProject/SearchInvestorAction.do

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has details regarding Investor Services on this website-

https://www.mca.gov.in/MinistryV2/investorservices.html

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued a Notification in the Gazette of India dated September 5, 2016, notifying the Rule "Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016." As per this Rule, companies have to identify and upload details of unclaimed dividend on their website.

Accordingly, detailed information is provided for the benefit of shareholders.

Details about the unpaid and unclaimed dividends can be seen on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) website-

https://www.bseindia.com/static/investor_relations/dividend.aspx

Information is shared from 2016-17 onwards. As only the last 5 years data is available.

As per information on the website of the IEPF, Ministry of Corporate Affairs-

Steps to file statement of investor-wise unclaimed and unpaid amounts

1. Download Form 5 INV.
2. Fill the form according to the instructions given in its instruction kit
3. Upload the filled form on the IEPF portal
4. After the Form 5- INV is filled and uploaded on the MCA21 portal, you are required to provide the investor wise details of unclaimed and unpaid amount in an excel file
5. Download the excel template from the IEPF Portal
6. Fill in the excel template with investor-wise detail
7. Upload the excel file with investor-wise details of unclaimed and unpaid amounts
8. After all the details are uploaded confirm upload of unclaimed and unpaid amount details

For additional information - https://www.iepf.gov.in/IEPFWebProject/services.html

More on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website-

https://www.mca.gov.in/mcafoportal/iepf5Service.do

This blog post has explained in great detail along with screenshots-

https://www.paytmmoney.com/blog/how-to-claim-unclaimed-dividends-shares/

Do hope you find this useful.

Hope you can claim your unclaimed dividends and shares.

Beware of Fraud Calls Regarding Insurance Policy

Some days ago, I received a phone call from a "PNB Metlife Insurance" agent. 

She called at 11:46 AM from the mobile number- 7428450226

She stated that I have a PNB Metlife Insurance Policy# 14684834

The Policy Plan- Met Guaranteed Income Plan

The lady who had called sounded totally credible. 

She said that I have a PNB Metlife Insurance Policy- dated 23 March 2013 - and provided details as though she knew my policy and me from ages!

She said the first instalment of my policy had been paid- Rs 50,000.

The amount that the policy is worth today- Rs 1,88,412

She asked me to pay 2 more instalments i.e. Rs 50,000X2 = Rs 1,00,000

Then, I can draw the amount of Rs 2,88,412 (Rs 1,88,412 policy amount as it stands today + Rs 1,00,000 that I would have to pay now)

She asked me to contact her Manager- S.K.Tripathy- Phone number- 9289330405

I had a feeling that this was totally fake.